Responsibilities & Services

The Zoning Board of Appeals assists the zoning administrator in making interpretations; hears appeals for any person that is aggrieved by a decision of the zoning administrator and passes judgement on that appeal; and approves alternate methods of construction and materials.

Most people applying to the Zoning Board of Appeals are requesting an “area variance” to such zoning setback restrictions as side yards, shore yards, street yards, etc. The ZBA has very narrow and limited authority to grant such variances. To obtain a variance, the applicant must show: A. That the granting of the variance will not be contrary to the public interest; and B. Special circumstances exist which would cause “unnecessary hardship” if the zoning code were to be strictly enforced.

The Zoning Board of Appeals also reviews Conditional Use Permit applications in the single-family and two-family zoning districts.